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Metformin: A Promising Antidiabetic Medication for Cancer Treatment

Wei Mu1, Yunyun Jiang1, Guoqiang Liang2

  • 1Department of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacy, Precision Medicine Center, 904th Hospital of PLA, 214044 Wuxi, Jiangsu, PR China.

Current Drug Targets
|November 6, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Metformin, a common type 2 diabetes drug, shows promise as an anticancer agent. It targets cancer cells by regulating energy, promoting apoptosis, and enhancing immune response, potentially improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Metformin is a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus, impacting glucose metabolism.
  • Emerging research suggests metformin possesses significant anticancer properties, both as a monotherapy and in combination treatments.

Approach:

  • This review synthesizes current evidence on metformin's multifaceted anticancer mechanisms.
  • The review examines metformin's effects on cellular energy regulation, apoptosis, drug resistance, and immune modulation in cancer.

Key Points:

  • Metformin activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), influencing cellular energy homeostasis.
  • It inhibits mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
  • Metformin targets transcription factors to inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis, and overcome drug resistance.
  • It enhances anti-tumor T cell activity and modulates the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions:

  • Metformin demonstrates broad-spectrum anticancer potential through diverse molecular pathways.
  • Its use in diabetic patients is associated with reduced cancer incidence and improved treatment efficacy.
  • Metformin represents a promising therapeutic strategy in oncology, warranting further clinical investigation.
Keywords:
AMPK complexICIsMetforminROSSpsanticancer

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